Grotta della Poesia
A natural sea-carved sinkhole in the Roca archaeological area, where emerald water connects through an underground passage to the open sea. It is often rated among the world's most beautiful natural swimming pools.
Grotta della Poesia is at Roca, in Melendugno. It is a circular sinkhole formed when the top of a limestone cliff collapsed. It is about 30 metres across, and emerald water flows in through an underground passage from the Adriatic Sea. People jump from the rock edge into the water to swim, and several media outlets have named it one of the world's most beautiful natural pools. The surrounding area is the archaeological site of ancient Roca, which dates from the Bronze Age through the Messapian period, and ancient inscriptions have been found on the cave walls. There is also a smaller 'Little Grotta della Poesia' next to it. In summer, it gets very crowded, and in recent years peak-season visits have been limited. Check the water depth and wave conditions before jumping, and wear shoes because the rocks are sharp.
Opening hours
Open all day (peak-season management hours per announcements)
Nearby sights
- Torre dell'Orso
- Faraglioni di Torre Sant'Andrea
- Baia dei Turchi
- Otranto
- Otranto Cathedral
- Aragonese Castle of Otranto
- Bauxite Quarry Lake
- Punta Palascia Lighthouse